Improvement in can-openers



J. E. BUCKINGHAM.

CAN-OPENER. V -No.187,5 96. 'Patentec} Feb. 20, 13-77.

UNITED STATES PATENT FFIO'E.

JOHN E. BUOKDIGHAM, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF HIS RIGHT TO JOHN L. MILLER, OF SAME PLACE.

I IMPROVEMENT IN CAN-OPENERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 187,596, dated February 20, 1877 application filed August 8, 1876.

' for opening cans, the construction of which is hereinafter more fully described, and definite ly claimed.

Figure l is a perspective View of the implement. Fig. 2 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing the manner of using the tool in opening ordinary fruit-cans, and the like. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the top of a can, showing how it is punctured for applying the tool; and Fig. 4shows the man nor of using the tool as applied to a sardine or similar box.

The object of this invention is to produce a can-opener or tool that can be efiiciently used with the various sizes and styles of metal cans now so extensively used for the preservation of fruits, meats, and various kinds of food.

As shown inv Fig.1, my improvement con: sists essentially of a straight narrow steel blade, B, made pointed at its end for punctnring the metal, and a parallel prong, A, made a little-longer than the blade, and having its. outer end slightly curved outward from the blade, and terminating in a small round point, 0, for making a hole in the center of the head of the can.

The blade and prong are united, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, at a point near the handle, and both are provided with one or more holes for the insertion of a pin, P, a short distance from their ends; as shown in Fig. 1.

The blade B is preferably made flat on its upper or inner face, and slightly oval or rounded on its opposite face, with both edges and its point sharp, so as readily to out the tin of the can. It is shown as having a wooden handle, H, to which the pin P is fastened by a cord, 6, to prevent it from being mis-v placed or lost.

It is obvious, however, that the wooden handle may be omitted and the tang extended and formed into a handle; but I prefer to make it with the handle as represented, as it affords a better hold for the hand of the operator.

The implement, being thus constructed, is used as follows: First, a small hole is made with the point o of the prong A in the center of the end of the can. as represented at n, Fig. 3,. and then the blade B is thrust through the head, as shown at I, Fig. 3, after which the tool is shoved forward, as represented in Fig. 2, so as to bring the pin-holes in the i blade and prong opposite the hole a at the center, when the pin '1? is inserted, as shown in Fig. 2. The pin P thus forms a pivot, and by means of the handle the blade is then moved around either to the right or left, cutting a circular piece out, as shown. In practice, the piece need not be out entirely around, but may be left uncut at one side, and, as it is held between the prong and blade, can be readily turned up or over backward, when the pin will naturally fall out, leaving the tool free to be withdrawn.

[t will readily be understood that the size of the piece thus cut may be varied at will by simply holding the handle higher or lower, or inserting it through the top at different dis tances from the center.

In cutting sardine-boxes, or anything requiring a straight cut, the tool may be used as shown in Fig. 4, in which case the pin being inserted serves as a fulcrum, the blade being thrust through the metal cover and shoved along as the cut is made by hearing down on the handle. This method of using A can-opener consisting of the prong A and blade B, provided with holes for the insertion of thepin P, substantially as described.

JOHN E. BUCKINGHAM. Witnesses:

P. T. DODGE, WILL W. Donen. 

